Two missiles struck the airport in Yemen’s port city of Aden on Friday night, with police blaming Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the attack. This marks the second such incident in less than 10 days, as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict. No casualties were reported, but the attack highlights the growing violence in the region, where the Houthis have targeted both Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s internationally recognized government.
The previous attack on the Aden airport occurred on October 7, also without casualties. This time, the missiles landed about 500 meters away from a Yemenia Airways plane preparing for takeoff, prompting the evacuation of its passengers. Yemen’s transport ministry condemned the attack, calling it part of a systematic escalation by the Houthis aimed at vital facilities and state assets.
The surge in fighting has intensified Yemen’s civil war, fueled by broader tensions in the Iran conflict. The Houthis, responding to an attack on their controlled Sanaa airport and a longstanding blockade, imposed their own blockade on Saudi Arabia. This has led to increased attacks on Saudi airports, oil, and military facilities, disrupting flights and resulting in 19 deaths.
Additionally, the Houthis advanced along the Red Sea coast to seize land near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical shipping route. The Saudi-led coalition has launched a major offensive to retake this strategic area, further escalating the conflict. Meanwhile, Yemeni civilians, particularly in besieged cities like Taiz, continue to suffer the devastating effects of the war.